Vimannagar residents fume as public event blocks road for hours

Pune: Vimannagar residents on Saturday criticised the organisers of a religious event held on Thursday after a key internal road was blocked for several hours, triggering massive traffic congestion during peak evening hours.Residents said the stretch between Datta Mandir and Kailash Super Market Chowk — an arterial link used by many commuters — came to a standstill after the organisers set up tables and chairs on the road itself."The event exposed a serious problem in Vimannagar as it occupied the entire road near Skymax without any permission and without any concern for commuters. The complete inaction from the Vimannagar police was extremely concerning," said local resident Anita Hanumante."If organisers of such events feel confident enough to block a public road for hours, it clearly means they believe no one will question them — neither the authorities nor the community.Is this the culture we are allowing to grow in Vimannagar, where public roads become private spaces and rules apply only to regular residents? This is not about the festival; any festival can be celebrated beautifully without blocking roads," she added.Another resident, Shyam Kuddyady of Konark Campus Society, said the blockade led to a major gridlockduring rush hour."What if there was a medical emergency orfire anywhere?" he asked.A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said commuters were stuck until some citizens approached the traffic department, which eventually helped open half the road."The event organisershad blocked the entire stretch with a pandal. Vehicles simply could not pass through. This is not the first time; such events have happened several times in the past in the area," the resident said.Locals of the area saidpolitical programmes and festival-related gatherings continue to inconvenience residents in Vimannagar,often stretching late into the night."The stretch from Ganapati Mandir Chowk to Samrat Chowk is always blocked due to various events and festivals," aresident said, calling for stricter enforcement and timely action from the authorities.A senior officer from the Vimannagar police station said, "There wasn't a 100% block, and traffic was not affected. Traffic police personnel were present at the spot. The event organisers had taken prior permission to hold the programme."